On March 13, 2025, 53-year-old Juanita Maloon, a white female resident of Greenville, Ohio, was found deceased in her home at 2535 State Route 571. The Darke County Coroner determined her death to be a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. Investigations revealed that her husband, 57-year-old Josiah "Joe" Maloon, had brutally beaten and shot her prior to the arrival of another individual at their residence.
Shortly after the homicide, at approximately 2:15 p.m., 47-year-old Randy Ward II of Ansonia, Ohio, arrived at the Maloon residence for a prearranged transaction. As Ward retrieved cash from Joe Maloon's vehicle, Maloon emerged from the house and began firing multiple rounds at him. Ward was struck several times but managed to flee in his Dodge Challenger. Maloon pursued him in a Nissan Pathfinder SUV, continuing to shoot and ram Ward's vehicle during the chase. The pursuit ended when both vehicles crashed into separate fields near Coletown-Lightsville Road. Maloon's SUV rolled over multiple times, ejecting him from the vehicle and resulting in his death at the scene. Ward sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment.
At the crash site, authorities recovered a handgun near Joe Maloon's body, believed to be the weapon used in both the homicide and the shooting of Ward. Additionally, spent shell casings and a white powdery substance in packaging were found in the driveway of the Maloon residence. These items were sent for forensic testing to determine their nature and any potential connection to the incidents.
The investigation into the events surrounding Juanita Maloon's death and the subsequent shooting and crash is ongoing. However, authorities have stated that there is no further threat to the community, as the primary suspect, Joe Maloon, is deceased. No arrests have been made, and no additional suspects are being sought in connection with these incidents.
